Swing-in window sash



E. E. FOSTER Jul 1, 1969 SWINGIN WINDOW SASH Sheet of 2 Filed May 26, 1967 INVENTOR EDWIN E. FOSTER ATTORNEY July 1, 1969 E. E. FOSTER SWING-IN WINDOW SASH Filed May 26, 1967 INVENTCR EDWIN E. FOSTER ATTORNEY 3,452,478 SWING-IN WINDOW SASH Edwin E. Foster, 1801 Camp Craft Road, Austin, Tex. 78746 Filed May 26, 1967, Ser. No. 641,635 Int. Cl. Ed /22 US. Cl. 49-161 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A window sash adapted for inward swinging for ready access to its normally outer surface being pivoted adjacent its upper end margins to window frame portions, there being latching members for engaging its lower end to the adjacent frame portions and with a spring counter-balance disposed inwardly of the frame jambs.

Background of the invention Heretofore, the problem of providing a window sash which is adapted for inward swinging about its upper portion has been one which ha long beset industry. The provision of outwardly swinging windows has been known but such have, understandably, not permitted access to the exterior surface while remaining within the room wherein the window is located. The cleaning of windows, especially in tall office buildings, but also in homes, has consistently been one of marked hardship in that in view of the difficulty of dismantling such windows, the washing personnel most frequently must be subjected either to danger or substantial discomfort in working upon the surface to be cleaned. Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique construction whereby a window sash may be pivoted inwardly so as to allow the individual ready access to the normally outer face.

Summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a window sash which is adapted for slideable movement within a window frame and is further adapted for inward swinging about its upper end portion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a window sash which may be constructed of any suitable material, having means for selectedly engaging its lower end side portions within a window frame for movement relatively thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a movable window sash adapted to be counter-balanced by a spring member which i located inwardly of the window frame and which is secured to the pivot axis of the window sash.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a swing-in window sash which may be most economically manufactured; which may be easily operated by the average individual; which permits of comfortable and effective access to the exterior of the window sash while remaining safely within the room area; which may be utilized with a multiplicity of counter-balances; and which is durable in usage.

Brief description of the drawings FIGURE 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a window having a swing-in window sash constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention with the phantom lines illustrating the sash in closed condition and in inwardly swung position.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partially in section, illustrating the upper corner portion of the sash of the present invention when in full upward position.

United States Patent 0 FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a lower corner portion of the sash.

FIGURE 4 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 44 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view of an upper corner portion of another form of sash constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a lower corner portion of the sash illustrated in FIG- URE 5 showing the same in unlocked condition.

FIGURE 7 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary front elevational View, partially in section, of the upper corner portion of the sash illustrated in FIGURE 2, but showing another form of slide block.

FIGURE 9 is an elevational view taken on the line 99 of FIGURE 8.

Description of the preferred embodiments Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention, A generally designates a window which may be of any suitable materials such as wood, aluminum, or the like, and which for purposes of illustration herein is shown as being formed from aluminum; said window A comprising a window frame having jambs 1, a header 2, and a sill (not shown) which frame components are preferably formed by extrusion; there being carried in said frame a stationary upper sash, as indicated at 3 (FIGURE 1), and a lower movable sash 4 adapted for slideable movement within said frame 1. The provision of the upper stationary sash is merely for purposes of illustration since the invention resides in the swingable character of sash 4 which is independent of the provision of an upper sash, such as 3.

Each side jamb 1 integrally incorporates a slideway indicated generally 5, being of channel shape and having rearward and forward flanges 6, 7, respectively, and an intervening web 8 opening toward the side of sash 4. Forward flange 7 is of less transverse extent than rearward flange 6 for reasons presently appearing.

Window sash 4 comprises vertically presented side components 9 and upper and lower transverse members 10, 11, respectively, which elements coact in convention manner for supporting a glass pane. Each side component is of channel form in cross section having front and back flanges 12, 13, respectively, and a web 14 therebetween, said channel opening outwardly toward slideway 5 but being of relatively reduced transverse extent so that front and back flanges 12, 13 will be spacedly inwardly of forward and rearward flanges 7, 6, respectively, of side frame 1. Suitably carried on back flange 13 as by means of a suitable bracket 15 is a section of flexible weather stripping 16 extending the length of the related side component 9 for abutment on its outer face against the confronting surface of rearward flange 6 of window frame 1 thereby bridging the spacing between flanges 13 and 6. In their lower end portions, each side component 9 carries on its forward face a latch arm 17 pivotally mounted thereon by means of a pin 18 for swingable movement within a plane parallel to the front face of the adjacent side component 9. Each latch arm 17 is provided on its jamb adjacent end with an off-set finger 19 which projects laterally from its rearward side portion for extension into the space between flanges 12 and 7 for abutment on its forwardly directed face against the confronting surface of said forward flange 7 of frame 1. Finger 19 is of such thickness as to be snuggly received within the spacing provided and thereby exert a rearwardly directed pressure for biasing weather stripping 16 into snug contact with the adjacent face of rearward flange 6. With finger 19 in abutting relationship with the rearwardly directed face of flange 7 a locking action is developed between window sash 4 and frame 1 so as to prevent any untoward or accidental displacement of window sash 4 from said frame. In its opposite lateral portion, each latch arm incorporates a projection 20 to facilitate swinging of latch arm 17 by the operator. Latch arm 17 is illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4 as being in locked condition. However, downward pressure upon the upper surface of projection 20 so as to cause latch arm 17 to swing about its pivot axis in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 3 will effect an unlocking operation after latch arm has moved through an arc of 90 from the position shown in FIGURE 3. Thus, latch arm may be easily moved between locked and unlocked condition.

Secured to each web 14 in its upper end portion is the lower end of a mounting bracket 21 having a vertically presented off-set arm 22 to which is fixedly engaged one end of a pivot pin 23, the other end of which is received within a slide block 24 disposed within sideway for movement therealong. Each slide block 24 may be fabricated of plastic or like material and by its disposition within slideway 5 assures of proper centering of window sash 4 as well as for maintaining appropriate pressure against weather stripping 16.

Carried upon each pin 23 intermediate slide block 24 and arm 22 is the lower end of a self-coiling spring 25 fabricated of suitable ribbon stock and which may be of the character of spring set forth in US. Letters Patent No. 2,609,191. The coil of each spring 25 is received within a suitable housing 26 as fabricated of plastic or the like and having a generally channel shaped extension 27 for securement to header 2 by screws 28. Each housing 26 is located in each upper corner of the window frame and is provided with an opening 29 through which the spring may pass during coiling and uncoiling action. It should be understood that the transverse extent of each housing 26 will vary for accommodating the width of the particular ribbon of the spring 25 since with heavier sashes the ribbon will be understandably of increased width while with lighter weight sashes a narrow ribbon may be used. The tension of spring 25 varies directly as the thickness of its ribbon. Spring 25 accordingly serves as a counter-balance being biased into coil condition and which acts to provide a constant counterbalancing force for window sash 4 at all locations of movement between closed condition as shown in the lower portion in FIGURE 1 in phantom lines and open condition shown in full lines in FIGURE 1.

Therefore, when it is desired to have access to the normally back or outward face of the glass carried within window sash 4, the operator will preferably raise window sash 4 to upward or window-open position, with spring 25 being in substantially fully coiled condition as shown in FIGURE 2 whereupon each latch arm 17 will be swung downwardly as above described for removing finger 19 from engagement with forward flange 7 thereby freeing the lower end of window sash 4 for swinging about the pivot axis established by pins 8 as into the position indicated in phantom lines in FIGURE 1 thereby presenting the normally outward face of the glass panel carried by window sash 4 for convenient access, such as for cleaning and the like. After servicing the outward face of window sash 4 the operator may then easily swing same returning downwardly within frame 1, thereupon swinging latch arm 17 in a clockwise direction for returning finger 19 to engaged relationship with flange 7 (FIGURE 3). Thus, window sash 4 is then in position for movement relatively of frame 1 as desired.

With reference now being made to FIGURES 5, 6 and 7, A designates a window incorporating a frame having a side jamb 1' and a header 2 which are in all respects similar to the corresponding elements of window A above described. Said window A embodies a window sash 4 having side sections 9' and upper and lower transverse members 10, 11; there being a latch arm 17' pivotally mounted, as by a pin 18', at the lower end portion of each side components 9 and having a finger 19 for locking engagement with flange 7' of side jamb 1'; all of said elements being structurally identical with and mutually related as the corresponding components of window A above described. Window A is counter-balanced by means of a conventional spiral balance as indicated generally B provided on both sides of window sash 4' each of which incorporates a tubular member 30, as, for example, being of /3 OD. steel tubing, which is received within the channel of side components 9 and each of which at their upper ends project above transverse member 10' for pivotal engagement by a pin 31 extending diametrally through aligned openings in tubular member 30 for fixed engagement of its outer projecting end within frame 1' so that said pins 31 provide a hinge axis for swingable movement thereabout of the engaged window sash 4. In accordance with recognized practice, there is provided within tubular member 30, which is telescopic, a spirally coiled extension spring 32, which may, for instance, have an outside diameter of 7 and being made of fiat wire. The spiral coils at the upper end of said spring 32 are close together so that the same will fit tightly onto metal sleeve 32' which is supported from pivot pin 31. At its lower end, spring 32 is secured to a nut n which is threadedly engaged within the lower end of tubular member 30; said latter being turned inwardly as at t which would prevent displacement of nut n therefrom. Torsion spring 32 is close coiled only at its ends so as to provide ample room for winding up. When fully wound up, the coils will finally all be in mutual contiguity.

Provided interiorly of coil spring 32 is spiral member 33 which extends downwardly through nut 11 through an eyelet 32a for securement to a bracket 34 fixed to the lower end of the related side portion of sash 4'. The lowermost end of spiral member 33 may be provided with an opening 35 in order that the said spiral 33 may be turned for winding of the spring in order to adjust the lift of the balance B. Spiral member 33 forms a graduated spiral to compensate for the buildup of the spring force and to provide a true counter-weighting balance; said spiral member 33 being non-resilient and appropriately secured at its upper end.

There is also provided within the upper portion of the side channel of each side section 9' of sash 4', a guide bushing 36 for proper support of balance B; said bushing being made as of nylon or the like and preventing any play.

Thus, sash balance 4 may be readily swung for allowing access to the normally exterior side thereof by the relatively simple expedient of lifting said sash 4 to upward position so as to relieve any tension upon balance B, swinging latch arm 17 for removing finger 19' from locked condition (into the position shown in FIGURE 6) whereby the user by lifting upwardly and toward himself may easily swing window sash 4' to permit convenience of approach to the normally outwardly directed surface thereof.

It is indeed evident that the present invention is useful with windows of any type whether constructed of wood or metal. The counter-balance is of such character that the same need not in any way be dismantled during the swing-in action. The self-coiling spring 25 and the spiral balance B are but exemplary of the types of counter-balances which may be readily utilized with windows of the present invention for allowing of the unique inward swinging of the sash to allow free access to the exterior face thereof. The application of the present invention to both home, office, and industrial use is indeed evident when it is recognized that exterior window surfaces may be cleaned without having to cause personnel to approach such surfaces from the outer face thereof which often entails precarious climbing about building walls.

Referring now to FIGURES 8 and 9, there is disclosed another form of slide block 24' for movement within the slideway 5 of side jamb 1. Said slide block 24' incorporates a body portion b having an inner ofi'set downwardly extending leg d for securement to the web 14 of the respective side section by means of a screw 24a. Said body portion b is provided in its outer portion with an offset upwardly extending arm for enhancing the stability of slide block 24 in operative position. Provided just inwardly of offset arm 0 is a transverse slot s within which projects the outer end of spring 25 and being apertured for extension therethrough of a retaining pin 23' which extends through a bore provided in body portion [1. Said body portion b is provided on its lower forward and upper rearward lateral edges with arcuated surfaces as at r, r respectively; said surfaces provide requisite clearance during swinging of sash 4. Upon such swinging action, screw 24a will be exposed so that if desired, the same may be suitably manipulated for ease of removal of slide block 24' for replacement or repair purposes.

It should be understood that changes and modifications in the formation, construction, and arrangement and combination of the several parts of the Swing-In Window Sash may be made and substituted for these herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

1. For use with a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement comprising a sash presented for vertical reciprocal slideable movement within said slideways, resilient counter-balancing means for said sash, means for effecting swingable movement of said sash about a transverse axis in its upper portion comprising a member engaged to said sash and extending above the upper edge thereof, a pivot member engaged to the extended portion of said member for defining said transverse axis, and means engaging the proximate jamb and connected to said pivot member, and locking means provided on the lower side portions of said sash for optionally maintaining same within the said slideways.

2. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said resilient counter-balancing means comprising a self-coiling spring, one end of said spring being suitably engaged upon said pivot pin.

3. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 2 and further characterized by compartment forming means mounted in the upper portion of said window frame above said sash, said self-coiling spring being contained within said compartment forming means.

4. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said sash having laterally opening channel-defining side portions, said counter-balancing means comprising a spiral balance disposed within each channel-defining side portion of said sash and projecting upwardly of the upper margin thereof, said pivot member engaging the upper projecting portion of said spiral balance upwardly ofsaid sash upper margin.

5. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 4 and further characterized by means engaging the lower portion of said spiral balance to the lower side portion of said sash.

6. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 5 and further characterized by a guide bushing being mounted within the channel-defining side portions of said sash, said spiral balance being received within said guide bushing for maintenance against undesired axial displacement.

7. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement comprising a sash presented for vertical reciprocal slidable movement within said slideways, resilient counter-balancing means for said sash, said sash having transverse upper and lower margins and side margins, a block slideably disposed within each of said slideways, a bracket engaged upon the upper portions of the side margins of said sash, each bracket having an off-set arm projecting upwardly of the upper transverse margin of said sash, said slide blocks and the related bracket off-set arms having registering openings, a pivot pin received within each set of registering openings in upwardly spaced relationship to the transverse upper margin of said sash for establishing a pivot axis upwardly of said margin.

8. For use with a Window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement comprising a sash presented for vertical reciprocal slideable movement within said slideways, resilient counter-balancing means for said sash comprising a self-coiling ribbon spring, means supporting said spring upwardly of the upper margin of said sash for rotation about its axis, means for effecting swingable movement of said sash about a transverse axis in its upper portion comprising a block slideably disposed within said slideway, a bracket engaged to said sash and having a portion extending upwardly beyond the upper thereof, said block and said bracket extension having aligned openings for defining the said transverse swing axis, one end of said spring being engaged upon said pivot pin, and locking means provided on the lower side portions of said sash for optionally maintaining same within the said slideways.

9. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 8 and further characterized by said blocks being contoured for rockable movement within a plane parallel to the slideway.

10. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 8 and further characterized by one end of said spring being engaged upon said pivot pin between said block and said bracket extension.

11. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 8 and further characterized by compartment-forming means fixed in the upper portion of said window from.

above said sash, said self-coiling spring being housed within said compartment-forming means, said compartment-forming means having an opening, said one end of said spring being led through said opening for extension downwardly of said compartment-forming means.

12. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement comprising a sash presented for vertical reciprocal slideable movement within said slideways, resilient counter-balancing means for said sash, means for effecting swingable movement of said sash about a transverse axis in its upper portion comprising a block slideably disposed within said slideway, said block comprising a body, a leg extending downwardly from the inner portion of said body, means securing said downwardly extending leg to the upper side portion of the adjacent sash, an arm extending upwardly from the outer portion of said body slideably engaged with said slideway, said body projecting upwardly above the upper transverse margin of said sash, said body having a transverse bore upwardly of said sash, a pin presented in said bore, said resilient counter-balancing means being engaged to said pin, and said upper arm being marginally contoured for rockable movement within a plane parallel to that of the adjacent slideway so as to allow for swingable movement of said sash about an axis upwardly of its upper margin.

13. For use with a window having a frame incorporating side jambs, each of said jambs having inwardly opening channel-shaped slideways, the improvement defined in claim 12 and further characterized by said resilient counter-balancing means comprising a self-coiling spring, means supporting said spring for rotation about its axis upwardly of the upper margin of said sash, said spring being of ribbon character and having one end extending downwardly, said body having an opening in its upper portion for communication with said bore, and said one end of said spring being received in said opening and engaged to said pin.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 491,043 1/1893 Dettra 49-183 X 1,297,892 3/1919 Mutchnik et a1 49-186 1,718,132 6/1929 Fritz 49-176 1,747,576 2/ 1930 Caldwell 49-186 2,652,602 9/1953 Etling 49-180 X 2,659,943 11/1953 Polson et al 49-186 X 3,087,194 4/1963 Ruchin 49-186 X 3,126,588 3/1964 Osten 49-174 3,349,517 10/1967 Johnson 49-463 X DENNIS L. TAYLOR, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 49-176 

